Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

Good morning all! Heads up: Red Sox-Angels doubleheader will push Monday's start time to 5:05 p.m. ET, so make sure you get your fantasy baseball lineups in. In ESPN weekly leagues, they're already locked, but this applies to those in daily. Anyway, I'm here to help, who's got a question?And as a quick aside: Fantasy football questions are always welcomed as well. Send 'em my way.

Tic Tac (Reno)

Trea Turner: worth a shot if I'm looking for production this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

I'd have to place his odds at less than 50/50, but let's face it, that's saying something considering it was awfully close to zero percent at the onset of the season, especially for a player who only just joined the Nationals' organization roughly a month ago.For a comparison point: In Tout Wars (12-team NL-only) I did just add him as a stash, so I obviously see a chance with Ian Desmond struggling mightily; I'd imagine such a move might happen right after the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline if it happens at all. But I'll also stress that it was an uncontested bid, so don't mistake this for high odds of happening.

Andres (GA)

Would you play Beachy tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

The only reasonable cases to be made here are that Brandon Beachy could have some "revenge" related motivation returning to Atlanta, plus it's the Braves, who just haven't made much quality contact since Freddie Freeman landed on the DL. And both of those are really being generous from a matchups-weighing angle. I've said on the podcast that Beachy's price drives him as a total risk/reward DFS play; Roto-wise, it's only one I'm willing to take in deeper formats or spots where risks need be taken.

Louis (Tampa)

NL only h2h 10 cat thoughts on starting Wisler & Beachy today? Pass on both?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

I'm generally a "no" here if it's shallow mixed. I don't know how volume influences your scoring, so that could weigh, but I'm actually less interested in Matt Wisler than I am Beachy in that game. Dodgers do hit righties and Wisler lacks an elite pitch to use against the lefties.

Gus, IL [via mobile]

Speculating on the next big call up. Thinking maybe piscotty of the cards or severino of the Yankees. Others are speculating on the Dodgers shortstop. Will any be relevant in deep season long leagues this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

I could see it being Stephen Piscotty as he's logging some time at first base in the minors. Cardinals have a need there, so he'd be among my top choices, now that Aaron Nola is up. I've also mentioned Turner. I do think that it'll be the more competitive teams that will be more likely to make such moves, otherwise, why start service-time clocks?I'm not as sure Corey Seager will get the call; where does he play every day if so? And with Luis Severino, I'm not sure that he's ready yet, though I'd guess right now he's the Yankees' 6/7 starter and they have talked about wanting to give other starters some rest. Severino before Seager, I'd guess.

Henry (Sacramento)

Is this a sign of things to come for Cano?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

It's certainly possible, the way he has been swinging in July thus far, and remember, it was at the onset of the month that we received the possible explanation for some of his earlier struggles, as he wasn't feeling 100 percent. I've moved him up accordingly and am probably going to do so by a little bit again this week ... though I do think that a first-round (or even second) valuation is in his past.

Louis (Tampa)

How do you feel about Cole Hamels moving forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

I think there's a pretty good shot -- more than 50/50 -- that he'll be traded in the next 11 days, and once he does I don't feel all that much differently about him than I have up to this date, which is that he's a top-25 caliber fantasy starting pitcher.

Stan (Pittsburgh)

What happens to Polanco if the Pirates get Upton?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

I'd think he'd be a candidate to return to the minors, and if memory serves, he indeed suffered such a demotion midway through last year. It doesn't serve the Pirates to keep him on the bench most of the time; he'd be better off playing regularly in the minors.

Brandon (ohio) [via mobile]

Would a move to the Angels be a better fit for Jay Bruce?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

Better fit than who, the Dodgers? It'd be a ballpark downgrade and there'd be the league-switch adjustment, so I'm not wild about the Angels as a destination. But it wouldn't be devastating to his value; I wouldn't call it the kind of downgrade Mark Trumbo suffered.

Jason M (Chicago)

Did I just get bumped back to the 8th inning?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

We discussed this at greater length on the podcast today, but I'd think that Rafael Soriano will work in setup relief for a few games first, and that performance will dictate how quickly he moves into closing. I'm a bit iffy on Soriano, but I do think the intent of the signing was for him to eventually close.

Joe (PA)

If you had to speculate, where do you think Gomez ends up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

Joe, I honestly haven't gotten to Carlos Gomez as I take a closer look at where I think some of the bigger names might land. But I'm doing that as I prepare my next rankings piece so it'll be covered (Wednesday).

Jeff (PA)

Fantasy football question - Where would you want to draft this year in a 10 man snake?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

My answer as well as all of ESPN Fantasy staff's choices can be found right here.

Demetrios (NY)

Split-week league...Tanaka(@Bal) or Eduardo(@LAA)(DET)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

I'd go Masahiro Tanaka, if only because the righty lean of the Tigers scares me, plus, Mike Trout and Albert Pujols in the other, for Eduardo Rodriguez.

Dave Riverside [via mobile]

Any chance we see Michael Conforto this week??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

Considering the Mets' offensive struggles? Plus the possible DL for Michael Cuddyer? Yes, sure, and I'd argue that the Mets should, but I'd also prefer an Aug. 1 over/under date being that the team might be trying to make a deal for a more veteran bat before resorting to that move. I feel like if they believed Conforto was the immediate answer, they'd have made the move by now.

Eric (DC)

Who would you trust the most ROS in a 5x5 OBP league: Pillar, Souza, Forsythe, Myers or Rios?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

One of the first two. I actually feel a little safer with Kevin Pillar, but Steven Souza is very likely the correct answer.Heads up on Wil Myers: Rehab progressing, but I still think we're looking at a date in August for his return.

Matt (Cleveland, OH)

You have Suarez at the bottom of your SS rankings, but he keeps hitting. Would you be comfortable dropping Russell for him at this point?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

If it's a redraft league? Sure, I can support that swap.

Troy (Colorado)

Do you buy Grichuk as a viable starting OF for the ROS? He's producing and his pedigree seems legit but it's taken him awhile to get here.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

I do. Simply be prepared for him to lose the occasional start against the tougher righty now that Matt Holliday is healthy.

Ben (GA) [via mobile]

Order of likelihood these SS prospects are called up: Crawford, Turner, Story. Or is there somebody else you have your eye on (besides Seager)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

This year? I'd go Trea Turner, Trevor Story, J.P. Crawford (chance practically nil in my estimation). Story: He'd be No. 1 here if I was convinced the Rockies would/could deal Troy Tulowitzki; that's a massive contract to move and every team is aware of what'll happen to his numbers outside of Coors.

Jon, New Smyrna Beach [via mobile]

Hi Tristan, last year with a month left in the season, I had a 19.5 point lead in a 5x5 Roto keeper league. I asked you in your chat at that point last year if you and ever seen someone lose that size lead with a month to go. Your answer was no obviously, as that would be a ridiculous comeback for the team in 2nd. Well, tthanks to final month slumps from Donaldson and Upton amongst others, I wound up finishing in second by 3 points. It was painful. Real painful.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

Ouch. Sorry it happened, and I'm not about to comment on your team management there because I wouldn't have a clue what the individual factors were that contributed. The odds of this, though, are extremely small, but I like to use that "nonzero" line, as you know.

Sam (NYC)

Hey Tristan - I'm nervous about the Mets' guys getting shut down. Do you see them reigning Harvey in? Would Marte be a good return in H2H points league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

In a head-to-head points league, I'd say that Starling Marte is a mere modest return for Matt Harvey; I'd actually push for more as pitching tends to drive the scoring in the format. But I do have concerns about the Mets' workloads, specifically Matt Harvey (most), Noah Syndergaard (not far behind) and Steven Matz.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Expect a lot of Jonathon Niese the rest of the way, in other words. Sure could see him leading the team in starts in the second half.

p (nyc)

How are you feeling about Braun ROS? He's headed for an easy 20/20 campaign, but at the same time, there are lingering questions about his thumb. Think he can keep up the elite production, or would you try to deal while you can?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

I've ranked him 20th and I've ranked him 50th at various times this year and can never seem to lock him in at one number in between. Both are "worth having" rankings in al formats, but again, if you're getting a player consistently in the 20s (let's say you're getting a Chris Sale as you hunt for pitching), I'm dealing.

Nick (Boston) [via mobile]

First big name to get traded is..........?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

"Big" is relative. I'll say Johnny Cueto, though on his own team I could see Mike Leake going first. I'd guess the Reds move quickly.

Jeff (Arkansas)

Continue to use Syndagaard or would you rather Heaney?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

I prefer Noah Syndergaard. League, ballpark, and the workloads shouldn't be all that far off in the second half.

Dave Riverside [via mobile]

Follow up SS prospects call up how about Arcia if the Brewers deal Segura?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

He's a good and advancing prospect but still has roughly 80 games in Double-A ball and nothing higher, and the Brewers aren't competitive, so there's little reason to rush him. Luis Sardinas might well be the rest-of-year fill-in, and I think he's a worthwhile stash in the NL-onlies.

Kevin (ohio) [via mobile]

Do you see Joe Ross as a good 2 start pitcher in H2H this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

Sure, though at last check, I hadn't seen a formal confirmation that Ross is the guy for Tuesday? Tread a little carefully there accordingly, though I think his odds are best of the candidates and I'm fine with him as a volume play.

Eric (Phiily)

Dynasty league - do you think Yelich's issues this year were primarily injury-related, and do you expect a big bounce-back next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

I think they probably had a lot to do with it, and I'll be willing to buy next year. Still a star in the making and the only major criticism I'd have is that he has far too high a ground-ball rate for my tastes; though players of his age do sometimes develop power as they get older (see: Machado, Manny).

Doug (Boston)

Hey Tristan. I have Boxberger and McGee. Who should I start?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

For saves? Brad Boxberger.

Just Me (Ohio)

Have to make a move and it forces me to drop either Scooter Gennett or Caesar Hernandez...from today forward, who puts up better numbers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

I'd hate to drop either of these two guys, but both are indeed on the lowest tiers of mixed leagues, and I do think Gennett's ceiling is higher.

Dave [via mobile]

Hector olivera?deal with him and when we may see him up in the majors?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

I'm still guessing before Corey Seager, but there's no need to rush right now. Another I'll put in the "Aug. 1" bin, but it's not like Justin Turner deserves to be benched.

Cody [via mobile]

Do you like yordano Ventura today?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

He's certainly an above-average play compared to the rest of the options on the board, but that's not saying all that much from a weekly perspective. Mere "OK," in Roto, not on the DFS radar.

chris (fla)

In general, at what point in the season do you want to make a final determination as to whether you will be a buyer or seller in a keeper league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

You pretty much need to do it now, preferably 2-3 weeks minimum in advance of the league's trade deadline, otherwise there's not enough of a "rental" phase for the players you're dealing away to fetch the higher-caliber prospects you'll want.

AK (Work)

I thought Jered Weaver was supposed to be back this week...any word on him? Also, start Ubaldo against the Yankees, who own him or start Teheran against the Dodgers who own him? Thanks Tristan, you da man!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

He's throwing a simulated game tomorrow (might be today, I don't recall which), which would put him in line to return to the Angels during the weekend. I won't be starting him. Of these three, I'd use Jimenez... I'm not confident in any of them though.

Dave (Pittsburgh)

Choose 2 (OBP league and in need of power): Duda, Carter, Moreland, Johnson, Howard.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

Unclear which Johnson that is... Kelly? Chris?I'd go Mitch Moreland and Lucas Duda. Fits the format and needs best, especially for the short-term (Carter with injury questions for now).

Dan (Milwaukee)

Panik, Odor, or Deshields at 2B ROS? 10 team H2H league with OBP instead of AVG. I don't have many speed guys so Deshields is a big help for me there.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

If DeShields is fitting a need that should weigh, as he's playing a lot at leadoff and it's not like he's a significantly lower-ranked player for me of these three in general. I personally prefer Rougned Odor of the three, though, if you can find your speed elsewhere.

Kevin (SE FL)

Without looking at your rankings, who you dropping to activate someone from your DL, Vogt or Russell Martin?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Ouch. Trade one! I'd cut Stephen Vogt if I must; ballpark, supporting cast (R/RBI influences), track record, durability, those lean to Russell Martin.

Juan (Mexico)

Hey Tristan, good work....Id like to have your take on a trade...Sano and Pedroia for Perkins and Puig....I have depth in 3B and I have Odor to replace Pedroia....Good deal?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

If it's redraft I'm fine with it, but I'm souring on Yasiel Puig. Big risk you're taking there, though I'll take it.

Bill (Austin) [via mobile]

Time to start thinking keepers. Long term (2017) and beyond who do you see as a better SS keeper, Seager or JP Crawford

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

I think more of Corey Seager's bat, and I'll typically build my long-term keepers around the more productive (AVG-HR-RBI) candidates.

Nick [via mobile]

John Schoop a viable MI in a 12 team Roto ROS?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Sure. I'm a little iffier in our 10-team standard; see more matchups homework with him than most.

Dave Riverside [via mobile]

is Ian Desmond worth getting if I'm just giving up Cesar Hernandez and Brandon Beachy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

I'd call that a plenty worthwhile buy-low.

Erik (Philly)

Carrasco ok? That was an early exit.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

I hadn't heard anything about an injury, and perhaps it's just the Indians easing the burden on him after that larger workload in the near no-hitter. Just guessing, though.

Julian [via mobile]

Tolleson, Johnson, Smith, or Ziegler ROS?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I think Carlos Smith is the best pitcher of these three, so he's the one I'd take. The Mariners cannot possibly ignore that Smith is their best option to close, can they?

Pete (Texas) [via mobile]

Was proposed Nelson Cruz and Aroldis for Brett Gardner and Lance Mcculers. 12 team points league

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

That's a good offer. McCullers has been far better than I expected, but he's going to face an innings cap for sure; his being pushed all the way back to Thursday makes that clear.

Sean (Chicago)

Would you consider making a deal in a keeper league to give up Carlos Rodon for Brian Dozier. I'm currently chasing a title.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

I'd make that deal. Win now. Flags fly forever.

JJ (NJ)

Gausman or Tillman?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

I still trust the skills on Kevin Gausman more, but Chris Tillman's role is more secure. I'd imagine that neither one elevates to "every-start" status the rest of 2015. In which case I'll go Gausman and just mix and match.

Ted (NY)

In a dynasty league who would you rather have Baez or Heyward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

Jason Heyward, not that I think he's got much more room for growth but Javier Baez is awfully risk/reward. There's something to be said for known production, even if it's not necessarily elite.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

OK, time to wrap things up for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I couldn't get to yours. Take care everyone, and best of luck in your matchups this week!